PETER JACKSON and Ibiza counterparts Micky Adams and Ian Holloway had to laugh.

At yesterday's Copa de Ibiza official launch, hosted by the people of San Antonio and competition organisers PlayHARD Sports, it was pointed out that all three managers in last season's event had gone on to get the sack!

Someone then insisted the same scenario had followed the competition's inauguration in 2003 - but Holloway has no doubt the pattern will be broken this time.

"I think we are all clubs looking to do well this season with some new signings on board and plenty of fans behind us," said the QPR chief.

"We were told before we came what a professional event this was and, with football being a universal language, it's important we use it to show people all the qualities of this island and not just those which receive all the publicity.

"At QPR we are trying to climb back up the football ladder and we are very positive about this week here and the season to come."

QPR kicked off the event with a 5-0 win over an Ibiza XI in the first semi-final last night.

Adams - manager of Leicester on their infamous mid-season trip to La Manga, Spain of a couple of years ago - has issued a blanket alcohol ban on his squad, who arrived at 3am yesterday and trained four hours later.

"I can't keep an eye on them 24 hours a day, but my players know what is expected of them and we are here to do a good, professional job as part of our pre-season," he said.

"We've got some experienced pros and some trialists with us and we are very much looking forward to our first game against Huddersfield, although I will be careful not to overburden any of the lads, especially on a plastic pitch."